Hide and seek is a game played mostly by children (and some drunk adults) where one child closes their eyes, counts out loud, and then goes to find the other children who are now hiding somewhere in the house or outside. Professional sports, being games played amongst men and women, often remind us of our childhood and the games we used to play, whether fun or frustrating and annoying.
The 2018 Detroit Lions are playing a dangerous yet fascinating game of hide and seek, and I'm ready for the game to be over. The team, heading into NFL week 6 with a 2-3 record, has shown the best they have to offer in unlikely wins against New England and Green Bay, and their worst in a home opener and two road games against weaker opponents. The Jets, 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys have all disposed of this year's edition of the Motor City Kitties although I believe it's fair to say that the Lions have a more talented team ready to contend for the playoffs (on paper at least).
But in games where they are likely to lose; games where quarterback Matthew traditionally chokes and the Lions fall apart, the team is suddenly competent if not dominant. The embarrassing losses against the league's best teams have turned into wins, but can Lions fans and the NFL really take any concrete lesson away from the up and down first five games of the Lions 2018 campaign?
Please, Come Out to Play
"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." -- Heywood Broun
The Detroit Lions are the spoiled child who chooses to remain inside and play with their vast array of expensive toy cars instead of getting dirty in the sand on the playground with the rest of the neighborhood. It takes a "my dad could beat up your dad" insult or "I bet you can't beat me" challenge to get them out of their comfort zone and up for the challenge. Not until they are counted out do they step up and play like a team that wants to win.
Thankfully, the Lions now have a week's vacation at home (bye week) to think about their season and how they want to come outside to play with the big boys or stay in the comfort of their own home and compete only when it suits them. With seven straight games against competitive teams (Dolphins, Seahawks, Vikings, Bears, Panthers, Bears, and the league-leading Rams) this is the time to decide who they really are.
Fans are anxiously awaiting their decision. If this the SOL (same old Lions) who will continue to confuse and disappoint, or will Detroit finally play every week like they have something to prove to the world and fans to reward for their loyal support?
I hope you enjoyed my short piece on my confusing Detroit Lions. Please post your comments below.
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